We are aware that a new type of surveillance system is being launched intended for installation in psychiatric ward bedrooms and bathrooms. This technology uses a radar system instead of a camera to track a patient’s movement and send alerts to staff about the patient’s location and activity. The company that is marketing this technology has repeatedly positioned it as a ‘dignified’ alternative to camera-based surveillance. We do not support the roll out of this technology.
We find the concept of this system to be dehumanising and intrusive. We are concerned that Trusts continue to turn to unevidenced technology in an attempt to make wards safer rather than do the real, relational work to provide safe care. We believe this type of technology is incompatible with relational care in the context of wards as they are, where an over-reliance on technology has led to tragic unintended consequences.
Despite a lack of evidence for its use, or even a patented name, ‘Project X’ is already up for an award at the Design In Mental Health conference next month in the innovation category. The chair of Design in Mental Health is also the CEO of Safehinge Primera, the company that makes ‘Project X’.
We strongly recommend that patients and staff raise concerns if they find their Trust has plans to roll out projects involving this technology. We are aware that Safehinge Primera are making links with various NHS Mental Health Trusts and have been awarded multiple Innovate UK research grants.
We do not want unevidenced surveillance systems. We do not want to be the test subjects for such systems. Surveillance is not safety.